Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is facing the most critical moment of his coaching tenure as the club prepares for Wednesday’s pivotal UEFA Champions League showdown with Manchester City. According to reports from Marca, the 42-year-old coach could be sacked if his team fails to deliver a convincing performance at the Etihad.
The pressure intensified after a chaotic weekend at the Santiago Bernabéu, where President Florentino Pérez and top executives held an emergency late-night meeting. Madrid’s shock 2–0 loss to Celta Vigo not only raised alarm bells but also erased what was once a comfortable points cushion over rivals Barcelona. The defeat now leaves Los Blancos four points behind Barça, despite being five points ahead just weeks ago.
Inside sources told Marca that the board’s discussions focused on several worrisome issues:
- The team’s recent dip in form
- A mounting injury crisis
- Frustration over refereeing decisions in La Liga
- Increasing tension between Alonso and portions of the dressing room
The most delicate concern involves player unrest. Several selection choices in recent weeks have reportedly upset key squad members, creating internal friction at a time when unity is crucial.
Marca notes that Wednesday’s Champions League game is being treated as a “final exam” for Alonso. Club hierarchy is said to believe the team must produce a strong reaction to justify keeping faith with the young manager.
Behind the scenes, potential replacements have already been mentioned. Zinedine Zidane a club legend and two-time Madrid manager is viewed as the leading candidate if a change becomes necessary. Jürgen Klopp, currently on a sabbatical, has also been referenced, though his availability remains uncertain.
Real Madrid have not issued any official statement about Alonso’s job status. Still, the outcome of the Manchester City tie is widely seen as a turning point that could determine not just Madrid’s Champions League trajectory, but also the future of its coaching staff and the club’s summer rebuilding strategy.
All eyes now turn to Wednesday night a match that might define Real Madrid’s season and Xabi Alonso’s destiny.
